I'm new to the forum and Carver too. I wouldn't call myself an audiophile, but I am sensitive to harsh sound, and gain no pleasure from thin or flat sound. Trying to find a happy place working with, or adding to, what I already have (within reason). I'd like to have the richest, fullest, most detailed sound even at lower volume. Maybe these goals make me an audiophile want-to-be without deep pockets.

I just moved to a new place, and in the process found a Carver The Receiver 2000 in my old basement that belonged to a roommate who was sound engineer. I was looking for more volume and "umph" from my system while maintaining the clarity and deep silence that I get from my Sonic Impact at lower volumes. I figured the tone controls and power of the Carver might do the trick. I've invested $270 in repairs to get the two channel stereo back to spec, and it sounds great. I haven't decided if it's the right sound and match for me and my kg4 speakers, but it's working. The problem is that its working 80% perfect, but the last 20% is a problem with the Sonic Hologram feature. It may just be the switch, but it doesn't work most of the time, and when it does I don't know if it works properly because I don't know what to expect the Sonic Hologram feature to do to the music. Wondering if I should put more $ into it at this point??? I am curious if I would love the Sonic Hologram feature, as the stand alone units seem to be a popular item with Carver fans.

Any thoughts, suggestions???

Also, since I don't have a manual, I don't know what some of the buttons are suppose to do. Can someone clue me in on these:Asymmetrical Detector - EngageAsymmetrical Detector - NoiseTuner Mute Defeat - is this to defeat the radio signal for both FM and AM? It's only defeating the FM signal currently.

Thanks,Warren (keats)

My stuff:Speakers - Klipsch Kg4 (My main speakers - bought new, and still fall back in love with them at times)Acoustic Research Rock Partners (adequate bookshelf speakers from college days)

Hi Keats,Probably can DL a manual for your receiver here (or elsewhere... google search sites with 'carver' in the name).The buttons you mentioned are to improve FM sound/reception (eliminate "ghost" signals, etc.). I'd not worry too much about not having the sonic holography thingy...requires precise speaker placement and is something you can easily live without...IMO).Welcome aboard....try and stick around....this is the right place to be if you want to "upgrade" your listening experience!Ed

Precise speaker placement would be an issue for me because of my apartment, so I guess I won't be using the Sonic Hologram anyway. I wonder if not fixing it means I'd lose my money on resale... ohh well. I did email Vintage HiFi of Pittsburgh (thanks Carver forum) to see if that had advice on appraisal and value of fixing.

I'm looking forward to getting the HH Scott 299-B integrated tube amp repaired so I can compare it to the Carver. I wish I had the space and money to play with multiple setups, but for now I'm just trying to find a sound I like and stick with it for a while. I've never really been a critical listener, but now that I'm getting into it (CDs and Mog.com only, no analog sources), I realize that I don't even know what kind of sound I prefer (tube, ss, etc.).

I have to say,now that I've been listening to the 2000 for a few days, it's really sounding beautiful. I'm guessing all the new parts needed a burn in. Miles Davis' Kind of Blue has a presence that I haven't experienced before. As each instrument introduces itself into a piece of music, it arrives with a grabbing of your attention that I haven't noticed in the past; not just showing up, but entering like a stunningly beautiful women entering a room.

Vintage HiFi of Pittsburgh's opinion is that it's worth getting the Sonic Hologram fixed. They would value The Receiver 2000 at $350 in fair cosmetic condition and $500 in good condition if sound is up to par. The 2000 cost me nothing and I've got $270 in for repairs. I'm ahead of the game and I'll get an estimate for the Sonic Hologram fix.